Buffalo Ridge Task Force investigation results in 13 arrests

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FULDA — In recent ongoing investigations, the Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force executed six search warrants, resulting in the arrest of 13 adults and seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, cash and other miscellaneous items.

The activities began Dec. 7, with execution of a search warrant at a residence located at 310 W. Front St. in Fulda. Tyler Thomas Webb was detained after he arrived at the residence. A search warrant was executed on his vehicle and agents located cocaine. Webb was later arrested and charged with fifth-degree controlled substance possession and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

On Tuesday, the first of four search warrants was executed at 406 E. Front Street, Fulda. Agents located and seized items that field tested positive for methamphetamine, paraphernalia, marijuana, marijuana grow equipment, and other miscellaneous items. Ellis Lee Hargis, Jason Alan Mastbergen, Amy Young, and Valerie Jane Goettig were arrested at the residence. A child was placed into protective custody. All four were charged with multiple counts of methamphetamine crimes involving children, fifth-degree controlled substance possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A second search warrant was executed Tuesday at 606 Marshall Ave. in Fulda. Upon approaching the residence, one agent was attacked by a large pit bull. The agent was able to fight off the dog and continue into the residence. The agent sustained no injuries. The dog was later captured by the Fulda Police Department along with several others from inside the trailer at the address. As a result of the search warrant, agents located and seized items that field tested positive for methamphetamine, paraphernalia, marijuana, and other miscellaneous items. Jamie Renee Williams, Kyle Erwin Stafford, and Thomas James “TJ” Dalton were arrested at the residence. Bridget Ann Mastbergen was later arrested in Worthington. All four were charged with fifth-degree controlled substance possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. As the investigation progresses, additional charges will be considered.

The third search warrant was executed at 601 Wilson Ave., Fulda. As a result of the search warrant, agents located and seized items that field tested positive for methamphetamine, prescription medications, paraphernalia and other miscellaneous items. Ramona Maria Nelson, Caresse Nicole Dalton and Zachariah Michael Schmitz were arrested at the residence. A child was placed into protective custody. All three adults were charged with multiple counts of methamphetamine crimes involving children, fifth-degree controlled substance possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The fourth search warrant was executed at 410 North Colombia Ave., Fulda. As a result of the search warrant, agents located and seized items that field tested positive for marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and other miscellaneous items. An adult male was questioned at the residence and released.

To conclude the operations for Tuesday, agents conducted a consent search at 608 Wilson Ave. As a result of the search, agents located and seized items that field tested positive for methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other miscellaneous items. David Lynn Welling was arrested at the residence. Welling was charged with fifth-degree controlled substance possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Additional charges will be considered.

Because of the very poor living conditions at the Wilson and Marshall Avenue addresses, the County Health Department was notified and inspections initiated.

The charge of fifth-degree controlled substance crime carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine. The charge of methamphetamine crimes involving children carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine. The charge of possession of drug paraphernalia carries a maximum sentence of $300 fine. The charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana carries a maximum sentence of $200 fine and drug education program.

The Fulda Police Department, Slayton Police Department, Worthington Police Department, Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Nobles County Sheriff’s Office, and Brown, Lyon, Redwood Drug Task Force assisted the Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force with the investigation.

In a separate operation in northwest Iowa Thursday, Osceola County Deputies were assisted by Iowa State Patrol in executing a search warrant at 708 Third St. in Sibley, Iowa. Deputies arrested Collette Jay Fredrick, 27, and Julius Dean Kracke, 36, both of Sibley, Iowa.

Both individuals were charged with the alleged crimes of possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor), possession of controlled substance —methamphetamine — with the intent to deliver (Class C felony), possession of a controlled substance second Offense — marijuana (aggravated misdemeanor), child endangerment (aggravated misdemeanor) and prohibited acts (aggravated misdemeanor). Fredrick and Kracke are being held at the Osceola County Jail on a $16,300 bond.

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